Il mio anno a Oxford

My Oxford Year desperately wants to be a Love Story for the 21st century, presumably with the object of leaving its audience sobbing uncontrollably. Unfortunately, the plotting is so obviously contrived and predictable that it's unlikely to achieve that goal with any but the most susceptible viewer. The best it manages to be is Emily In Paris: The Movie. Sofia Carson as Anna looks a bit like Lily Collins, but doesn't have anywhere near as much charisma or charm. Or the ability to make ridiculous outfits seem chic, or at least fun. We fare better with Corey Mylchreest, who brings a Montgomery Clift-like vibe to Jamie, and easily steals the movie. Despite being the healthiest looking cancer sufferer in the history of cinema. Dougray Scott deserves special mention for going above and beyond to bring some real emotional depth as Jamie's father. Great locations and an excellent supporting cast just about make it worth enduring the endless cliches. But you'll probably suss that out within the first ten minutes.

A fitting addition to these 'woman finds herself in Europe' movies. Bad in good ways. Amazing how small a world it is that the same 4 people constantly run into each other. Predictable but in a comforting way. Dad bod alert. Not exactly an accurate portrayal of dying and disease. But still oddly warm and stock photo pretty.

In a world of endless sequels and blockbusters, finding a straightforward romance movie feels like a rare treat, and I'm so glad this one got made. It really leans into its own sweetness. The heart of the film is a simple, earnest love story that has that nostalgic, teenage-dream quality you can't help but smile at, even as an adult. The soundtrack, full of classic hits, is the perfect companion, really helping to sell that cozy, feel-good vibe.

Unfortunately, that charm starts to fray when it comes to the execution. The script feels like it's built on a foundation of familiar clichés, with dialogue that seems written in a hurry. This doesn't give the actors much to work with, and it shows, particularly with the lead. Her portrayal of Anna felt amateurish, and the character's instant "I'm wiser than everyone" attitude was a bit hard to swallow. It's a shame, because the core idea is so genuinely likeable.

As a nice touch, the film does a good job of soaking you in the Oxford atmosphere, with little details like rowing, croquet, and football adding to the world.

Ultimately, this is a movie with a big heart but a few clumsy feet. If you can look past the clunky script and forgive some of the flaws, you'll find a truly relaxing and heartwarming film that's perfect for a quiet night in.

Let's play Romcom cliché Bingo:

• Sofia Carson is some kind of poor but superpretty A-type underdog (as in all her movies). Check!

• Main character has one gay and one quirky bestie. Check!

• Main characters are (at least somewhat) enemies to lovers. Check!

• Getting stuck in the rain leads to a kiss
• The cringey karaoke song that's supposed to be "a bit wild but still fun and cute". Check!

• The tragical twist (won't spoil what). Check!

• The whimsical setting that is Oxford. Check!

• The dancing with other people in order to make the person you like jelly. Check!

• The grand romantic geture(s) with first editions of books etc. Check!

The list goes on and on and I find myself wondering whilst watching if even ONE single scene is original. The answer is a clear NOPE!

Did I still watch it until the very end, enjoying it and wondering if they'd get their happy end?

You bet your cute butt I did! ;)